Yost boats
Glad that was mentioned, as it would have been another suggestion I would have offered. Great dad and kid (or mom and kid) project for the winter, if you’ve got basic workshop tools and a little space. Look at the “galleries” on the Yost site for examples of the cool kids kayaks you can make for under $200. Added bonuses – kid-designed custom paint jobs are easy on a home built skin on frame and the boats weigh in under 25 and even 20 lbs, making them easy for kids to handle themselves.
Episea
http://www.emc-epi.com/touring.html
Good luck keeping up with him. 
We’ll made kayak but like the Tsunami SP going away, not a lot of folks looking to get their kids, kid specific quality paddling gear.
Oh, Lendal NA makes a really nice kids paddle, complete with pirate skull/crossbones but you might want to swipe it to use as we’ll.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The River Connection, inc.
www.the-river-connection.com
Hudsonriverpaddler.org
Too bad
Sad to hear they aren’t going to make the SP anymore. Good little boat.
Here is another option in triple layer. I sat my daughter in one but she didn’t get to paddle it.
http://tahe-marine.taheoutdoors.com/tm_en/lifestyle-solo-pe.html
interesting idea
Great idea, but I don’t have the tools or space to build something like this. I also like the idea of a plastic boat since we encounter a lot of rocky launches.
No local dealers
Another perfect fit, but no local dealers to test in the midwest. I may reach out to Rutabega’s. I also plan on attending Canoecopia this year to se what they have to test out.
here’s one:
http://for-sale.yakaz.com/wilderness-systems-piccolo-kayak#lo=4&docid=0007ujuk9m68v7ig
I did a quick search “wilderness systems piccolo for sale”.
May be gone by now but I just provided this as an example.
I’d search for the:
WS Piccolo
WS Tsunami SP
Perception Umiak
CD Raven
Although it’s hard to beat the appeal of a handmade boat like the models cardelo posted.
Then who’s near you?
I would suggest a North Shore Aspect LV (http://wp.me/pFgdM-NR) which would cover your 8 year old (pad out the cockpit at this age) well into the teens, but is there a North Shore dealer anywhere within reach?
Or, you could just go for it and I can send you one. Triple layer plastic doe ship common carrier rather well.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The River Connection, Inc.
Hyde Park, NY
www.the-river-connection.com
hudsonriverpaddler.org
Thank you
I’ve been looking on craigslist now for a majority of these that you suggested. I’d like to get something local versus buying used site unseen.
yeah, I hear you
I always prefer to buy boats that way. But a kids boat is sort of a niche.
I’ve noticed the classifieds on this website pick up significantly in spring, so if you can wait until then you might have some luck.
where are you in Midwest
which state? near what city?
I may be able to help w. an Episea, Tsu 120 and/or a Dagger Blast kayak - all used.
Before I start checking w. ppl I want to make sure it’s worth our time.
Chicagolad
I live in the western burbs of Chicago.
Ugh
I used this website to search every city in the country, and still no luck. Maybe closer to spring.
http://www.searchtempest.com/
I’ve always wondered…
how those old Perception Pirouettes and Dancers would work for a kids boat. See those for sale all the time in my area.
Prodigy XS
– Last Updated: Jan-10-15 5:39 AM EST –
You might consider the Perception Prodigy XS.
http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/product/index/products/recreational/prodigy/kayak_prodigy_xs/. Check out the video.
I have two for my grandkids ages 5, 7, and 8. They love them. Used to be called the Acadia Scout, but upgraded with some padding and renamed. You can check the reviews here on pnet. I also have an old Umiak. Probably a better designed boat, but given a choice the kids always opt for the "newer" boat. Go figure.
The important thing is to get him something he'll enjoy using and that fits him...have fun!
OK then
how far are you willing to drive one way to get a used kids kayak (e.g. a kayak designed for kids) that would cost you between $250 and $350? this would be for kayak only.
It depemds
What boat/condition and in which direction?
well
I can’t lay out all the details here. Not gonna call several diff ppl who have them without more interest on your part.
so… let’s just forget it. Good luck.
Consider waiting for a Tsunami SP
It is still the middle of winter, so don’t rush… yet. The Tsunami SP is a great boat for kids up to about 110 pounds (after which the freeboard really gets small). I have had two kids go through this boat, which has the advantage of being poly, very narrow, and suitably proportioned (unlike some of the fat rec boats) such that a small kid can move it at a very nice speed. I’d consider selling ours, but think I can squeeze one more year out of it before the youngest is heavy enough to sink it!
Im sorry
– Last Updated: Jan-11-15 8:09 PM EST –
I didn't realize you were going to make calls, I thought you had a certain boat in mind somewhere. To answer your question I would be willing to drive anywhere in the chicagoland area to SE wisconsin or NW indiana for a Tsunami 120 SP.
Remember Kids Learn Real Fast
And will in rapid time, advance way ahead of their parents that they’ll become bored with paddling and head back to the skateboard park or more challenging activities. My suggestion would be to forget the kiddie boats and have them jump right in a used Olympic style K-1 or C-1 racer that can probably be acquired at a reasonable price. Challenge them, don’t coddle them, they’ll surprise you.
I start off most kids on a Ocean Kayak Poco, within a month they’re on the Scupper Classic, but lose interest real fast and want to paddle surfskis, which they can scamper back on real fast in deep water. K-1’s are paddled in shallow water, where kids can learn how to bail them and remount them.
Paddling is no different than other sports, get them good equipment and they’ll perform better and stay with it.